Return to Office Survey Questionnaire + Template

Discovering the need for employees to return to the office involves understanding return-to-office plans, policies (such as the hybrid work policy), regulations, and exploring flexible work models. The evolution of various work models emphasizes the simple realization that returning to the office fosters a more collaborative work environment.

A crucial tool in understanding the company's direction is the Return to Office (RTO) Survey. This survey delves into how the company envisions its development, bridging insights between executives and higher-ups. It also explores employee needs, incentives for enhanced productivity, preferred office days, and the cultivation of healthy team-building relationships. Recommended by Litespace, the 2023 RTO Survey lays the foundation for comprehending the company's dynamics.

Why Does Your Company Need to Conduct an RTO Survey?

To navigate the complexities of returning to the office, companies utilize RTO Surveys. These surveys offer insights into:

• Employee Perspectives: Understanding the workforce's needs.
• Future Considerations: Identifying necessary changes.
• Leadership Support: Building leadership strategies to support all organizational levels.
• Retention and Future Scope: Planning for sustained growth.
• Company Understanding: Gaining an overall comprehension of the company's goals post-pandemic challenges.

As the return to the office poses a significant challenge for companies, surveys become instrumental in implementing new policies, such as hybrid work models and flexible scheduling.

How Do Employees Engage with RTO Surveys?

Recognizing that employees are the driving force of a company, their perspectives on returning to the office are crucial. Employees seek options that consider work-life aspects such as family time, schedule flexibility, and the alignment of expectations. While remote work remains an option, the emphasis is on fostering social and educational events, regardless of location. This approach prioritizes employees' flexibility to enhance work prioritization.

Sample RTO Survey Questions:

‍General Background:

Question 1: On a scale of 1 to 5, how confident are you in your company's capacity to overcome the operational issues presented by COVID-19?

[Include the scale from 1 to 5]

Question 2: How well-informed do you feel your employer has about the adjustments and actions done in response to COVID-19, on a scale of 1 to 5?

[Include the scale from 1 to 5]

Work From Home Experience:

Question 3: Do you believe your present work-from-home setting is comfortable and allows you to be effective and productive?

⭕No, I don't feel like I'm doing anything constructive in this setting.

⭕No, I complete my work, but I don't feel like I'm doing it to the best of my ability.

⭕Yes, I feel just as productive as I would in my typical workplace environment.

⭕Yes, I feel more productive now than I would in an office.

Question 4: Do you believe you have the necessary tools and resources to carry out your job effectively from home?

⭕Yes, I have the majority of what I need, but I don't have everything I need.

⭕Yes, I have all the necessary equipment to work from home.

⭕Not at all, I feel totally unprepared.

Question 5: On a scale from 1 to 5, do you think your current work environment is suitable for long-term remote work? 

[Include the scale from 1 to 5]

Question 6:Do you think working from home will allow you to do your job well?

⭕At home, I am unable to do my job well.

⭕I am capable of doing my job well enough from home.

⭕Being able to work from home allowed me to go above and beyond.

Communication Process:‍

Question 7: Do you think your current priorities and responsibilities are clearly defined?

⭕I don't feel as though my employment is giving me a clear path.

⭕My tasks are a little bit specified, but not enough.

⭕My present tasks and priorities are clearly defined.

Question 8: Have you been able to reach your manager or supervisor when you needed them?

⭕No, I have a lot of difficulty contacting my manager.

⭕When necessary, I can sometimes contact my management.

⭕Yes, I can contact my manager easily when necessary.

⭕My manager is always reachable if I have any questions.

Question 9: Can you efficiently and frequently communicate with your teammates?

⭕No, I'm completely unable to interact with my teammates.

⭕No, I don't talk to my teammates all that much.

⭕There is some communication with my teammates, sort of.

⭕Yes, I regularly communicate with my teammates.

⭕Yes, I interact with my teammates in a timely and productive manner.

Question 10: On a scale of 1 to 5, how at ease are you taking care of your family as needed while working?

[Include the scale from 1 to 5]

Question 11: Do you feel at ease discussing personal concerns with your manager?

⭕Not at all, no.

⭕Occasionally, depending on the topic.

⭕I do, in fact, feel really at ease.

Preference About Returning to the Office:

‍Question 12: What aspect of going back to work are you most anticipating?

⭕Returning to my regular job schedule.

⭕Observing and collaborating with my coworkers.

⭕Being able to speak with someone in person.

⭕Reestablishing a healthy work-life balance.

Question 13: What part of your job do you like best?

⭕My work.

⭕The package of pay and perks provided.

⭕Greetings, coworkers. I like interacting with the people I work with.

⭕Our company atmosphere and culture, such as flextime, office lunches, and workplace outings.

Question 14: Would you wish to be able to continue working from home on a regular basis after this time period?

⭕Yes, I do truly favor working from home frequently.

⭕Yes, but having access to an office once or twice a week would be preferable.

⭕No, I would rather work from the office.

Health and Safety Practices - After Post COVID:

Question 15: How comfortable are you with returning to the office when the time is right, on a scale of 1 to 5?

[Include the scale from 1 to 5]

Question 16: What would you require in order to feel safe returning to the office? [Open End]

Question 17: You will be expected to take your temperature before entering the office as part of a routine and to give your employer the results. How comfortable are you with this criterion, on a scale of 1 to 5?

[Include the scale from 1 to 5]

Question 18: People may need to put on a face mask, put on disposable gloves, and keep a six-foot distance from their coworkers while returning to the office. How at ease, on a scale of 1 to 5, would you feel working in those circumstances?

[Include the scale from 1 to 5]

Question 19: What other aspects of your work habits may the pandemic experience cause you to alter?  [Open End]

Companies Implementing RTO Surveys:

‍Several notable companies, including Amazon, Starbucks, Disney, Twitter, Citigroup, and Zoom, have embraced RTO Surveys to facilitate a smooth transition back to the office. These companies acknowledge the importance of returning to the office for enhanced productivity after reaching a certain threshold in remote work.

Here are more resources from Litespace:

👉Learnings from Return To Office Strategy in 2023 

👉Return to Work Strategies for Employers in 2023